Mike Ritland and a SEAL Team 6 veteran empty their daily bags

In a video from Mike Ritland, the former Navy SEAL and a guest he identifies as a SEAL Team 6 veteran empty out their actual everyday bags, unstaged, to show what two operators actually carry day to day. One runs a 25-30L Violent Nomad backpack built for a vehicle breakdown or an unplanned night out, the other runs a small sling bag he keeps on his body everywhere he goes. The gear differs in size but follows the same logic.

Key points

• The backpack covers 24-48 hours stranded: the SEAL Team 6 veteran's Violent Nomad pack holds a tourniquet and first aid kit, a puffy jacket plus shell, two shelters, a sleeping bag and pad, a multi-tool, flashlight, extra batteries and fire and navigation gear.
• The sling bag stays on the body: Ritland says he has tested close to ten sling bags and prefers one he found on Amazon for its layout, keeping his wallet, phone and small papers in separate front pockets.
• Trauma gear travels with both guys: each bag carries a tourniquet, and the veteran's pack adds a second trauma kit and a blanket.
• Everyday carry includes a pistol and fixed blade: Ritland carries a tricked-out Sig 365 with night sights and a light, plus a Northman knife from Bill Rapier, while his guest carries a pistol and an ADS Crusader blade.
• The truck gets its own separate stash: Ritland says his vehicle console carries blowout kits, ponchos, headlamps and survival knives well beyond what fits in the sling bag.

Quick take

Nothing here is exotic. It is a short list of medical, warmth, shelter and self-defense basics organized so they are actually reachable when needed, which Ritland argues matters more than the brand names involved.

Watch the full video: Mike Ritland